Israeli forces advance into northern Khan Younis, airstrikes kill 20 in Gaza

Israeli forces advanced into northern parts of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday. Palestinian medics reported that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 20 people across the enclave.

The tanks moved in a day after the Israeli army issued new evacuation orders, citing rocket launches from the area. With shells falling near residential areas, families fled their homes, heading west toward the humanitarian-designated area of al-Mawasi.

Key points

• 11 people were killed in three airstrikes on central Gaza, including six children and one medic. Five of the victims were queuing outside a bakery.
• Nine more Palestinians were killed by tank fire in Rafah, near the border with Egypt.
• Israeli forces targeted the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya for the fifth consecutive day, injuring three medical staff.
• Many houses were destroyed in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun, with Israeli forces accused of trying to force civilians out of northern Gaza.

Big picture

• The Israeli military claims its operations aim to clear Hamas fighters from the area, while Palestinians argue it’s part of a broader strategy to create a buffer zone through forced evacuations and bombardments.
• The ongoing conflict has killed more than 44,400 Palestinians and left much of Gaza in ruins.
• A cease-fire with Hezbollah has paused fighting in Lebanon, but the Gaza war persists, with the last cease-fire—lasting only a week—occurring over a year ago.